Control your lighting from your wrist

We love the idea of operating the lights from the touchscreen of a phone, but doing it from a watch takes it to the next level. Simply fit some of Elgato’s Avea Bulbs into your existing light fittings, download the Avea Watch OS app and set the mood from your arm.

Receive messages at the speed of light

IFTTT software, allows you to set a routine that will make your Hue lights flash whenever you receive an Email, SMS or Twitter message. Pick up some Hue lighting and install the Hue and IFTTT apps on a tablet or smartphone and begin living the sci-fi dream.

Say hello to voice-activated lighting

Yeah, we were psyched too. Voice controlled lighting is now actually a thing! and Using Apple’s HomeKit along with an iPhone or Apple Watch and a Philips Hue set-up with the later 2.0 hub, you can live the future. Follow the instructions on the Hue app and before you know it, you’ll be able to give your house commands like, “set lights to 50 percent”.

Build a smart security system

Samsung’s SmartThings Starter Kit, offers a choice of window and door alarms capable of sending an alert to your cell phone or setting off a burglar alarm when tripped. The really smart bit? The system can also be linked to Hue lights using the IFTTT app on your phone to make them flash red when the bad guys are about – awesome.

No more midnight stumbling in the dark

SmartThings motion sensors and LIFX smart bulbs will make tripping over the cat at night a thing of the past. Both products work well together, so it’s just a case of telling the app to illuminate a specific light to your desired brightness whenever you get near the sensor.

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From home automation to the Internet of Things, For the Smart Home is your number one guide to connected devices and smart home technology covering the latest information on everything from smart thermostats and lighting to building a voice controlled, automated home.